Kathmandu Cultural Tour

Kathmandu is the capital of Nepal. It is situated at an altitude of 1300m

Kathmandu is the capital of Nepal. It is situated at an altitude of 1300m from sea level, and is actually the valley surrounded by beautiful green hills and snowy peaks glistening in the north of it. On a clear day you can see the snowy peaks of the crystalline waters of the Himalayan mountains. You can not miss the major cities of Kathmandu and Patan, once the small kingdoms in history, now merged into a common urban sprawl. A little further to the East is the third major city in the valley, Bhaktapur.

The political, commercial and cultural center of Nepal is the first for the majority of visitors to the country. Once a separate kingdom in itself, it contains three fabulous cities - Kathmandu, Patan and Bhaktapur. Out of ten World Heritage sites of UNESCO, seven cultural heritage sites are in the Kathmandu valley.

The history of the Valley begins with the Buddhist saint Manjushree who reduced a passage through the surrounding hills to drain the primordial waters and make it habitable. Over the centuries, a refined urban civilization emerged, built on a unique synthesis of Hinduism and Buddhism.

Dynasties came and went. Commerce and the arts prospered. Its deeply religious Newar inhabitants built fabulous cities and temples that draw pilgrims artistic devout and unleash invaders. In the late 18th century after the founding of modern Nepal within more or less the present boundaries, Kathmandu was made the capital. Kathmandu, the largest city in Nepal situated at an altitude of 1350 m.

KATHMANDU
Durbar Square. This complex of palaces, courtyards and temples like Hanumandhoka Palace, Kumari Ghar (Abode of the living goddess), Taleju temple, built between the 12th and 18th centuries, was once the seat of the ancient Malla kings of Kathmandu. An intriguing piece here is the 17h-century stone inscription located in the wall of the palace with writings in 15 languages. The Durbar Square, protected as a World Heritage Site, is the social, religious and urban focal point of the city. Even to this day, all the ceremonies of the state and social issue, including the celebration of the sacred are made in a course in this complex. There are also museums inside the palace has. There is a right of entry of Rs. 250 for foreign visitors. Your ticket instead gives you the right to visit all the museums.

Day 1 Arrive Kathmandu, Nepal
Meet at arrival in Kathmandu Airport and transfer to hotel.

Day 2 Kathmandu, Swayambu and Patan
Breakfast at hotel.
Depart to visit Kathmandu ancient palace, Swayambu Stupa and Patan ancient palace (three world heritage sites) and Tibetan Refugee Handicrafts Center. Lunch break en-route.
Return to hotel around 4PM.

Kathmandu Durbar Square:
Kathmandu Durbar Square contains an elegant ancient wooden palace, the house of Kumari, the Living Goddess of Nepal, and various temples with intricate woodcarvings.

The fearsome Kal Bhairab, the Red Monkey god, the house of the living Goddess Kumari, not to mention hundreds of erotic carvings-only begin to unfold the square's cultural imagery!

The buildings here are the greatest achievements of various dynasties that rule the Kathmandy Valley. They resulted from the great rivalry between the three realms of Kathmandu, Bhaktapur and Patan. According to legend, the valley was divided among the children of Yaksya Malla. His children and grandchildren began an artistic warfare trying to outdo each other in ever grander styles. As a result, the architectures of these cities look similar, particularly the palace squares. But the wood carvings, statues and architecture in particular-of Kathmandu's Durbar Square are exceptionally fine.

Then, we visit the fine collections of the Royal Museum inside the old palace of Kasthamandap from which the name Kathmandu was derived.

Swayambu Stupa:
It is said that the history of the Kathmandu Valley began with Swayambu, "selfcreating". According to legends, the Buddhist saint Manjushree came across a beautiful lake during his journey in the Valley. He discovered a lotus that emitted brilliant light at the center of the lake. So, he cut a gorge in the southeastern hill (known as Chobar gorge) and drained the water to worship the lotus. People settled in the dried up lake and called it Kathmandu, while the hilltop of the selfcreating Lord has become a holy place. The valley being a lake bed is actually not only a fable, but a geologic reality. Clay mines and rich soil bear evidence of the valley's under water past.

Swayambu is not only the major landmark of the valley but also one of the best places to observe the religious harmony of Nepal. Ancient mini stupas and shrines of both Bhudhists and Hindus fill up the stupa complex. This stupa is among the most ancient in this part of the world and its worshippers are diverse. A monastery adjacent to the stupa houses the largest image of Sakyamuni Buddha in Nepal and many stone sculptures of different deities. There numerous monasteries in the vicinity of the stupa with huge prayer wheels, fine Bhuddhist paintings, and special butter lamps which can be lite after offering a monetary donation. Since we will not spare time to visit all the monasteries, we will visit the main monastery in the stupa complex. On a clear day, this hilltop stupa complex offers excellent views of the Kathmandu Valley and the towering snowcapped peaks in the distant background.

Patan -The City of Beauty & Artistry:
We drive to Patan, the ancient city, also known as "the city of Beauty", situated on the southern bank of the Bagmati River about five kilometers southeast of Kathmandu. Patan is a city of artists, craftsmen and metal workers. Full of Buddhist monuments, Hindu temples with fine bronze gateways, guardian deities and wonderful carvings are found here. Patan Durbar Square has many famous sites and unique architecture. Krishna Mandir in the Square was built to honor an incarnation of Vishnu and is Nepal's best example of stone architecture. The best place to see fine metal sculpture is Hiranya Varna Mahabihar, the "Golden Temple", a Newar monastery, which contains wall paintings, fourteenth century statues, and scriptures. Its facades are mostly covered in bronze.

End of Patan tour, visit the Tibetan Refugee Handicrafts Center, and transfer back to hotel.

Day 3 Bhaktapur and Nargarkot
Breakfast at hotel and check out.
Depart to visit Bhaktapur and Nagarkot.
Bhaktapur is Cultural World Heritage site recognized by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO). Lunch break in Bhaktapur and overnight in Nagarkot hilltop. Meals: B.

Bhaktapur -the city of Devotees:
Here, we walk through the Palace square, visit the palace museum, monuments and the pottery kiln. The name Bhaktapur, means the "city of devotees", and was founded in 889 AD by King Anand Dev.

It is the most enchanting of Kathmandu Valley's three ethnically Newar cities. Newar art and architecture of the Malla periods from about 12th to 18th century are among the best attractions here. The palace complex in the middle of the city portrays the prosperity of the Malla years and the detailed craftsmanship of the period. The Palace of fifty-five Windows stands in the square and was home to many of Bhaktapur's kings. The square's gate was built by King Bhupatindra Malla (1696- 1722) and was among the biggest in the Valley. Among other monuments in Bhaktapur, the big bell, the Nyatapola temple, the golden Gate, the Bhairab Temple, the five-tiered temple, the Dattatreya Square with its wood-carving, and metalwork museum are the most interesting places.

Bhaktapur is not as modernized as Kathmandu and Patan and stands in sharp contrast. Therefore, visitors can still see people making clay sculptures and utilities in the city alleys. Its elaborate ancient monuments and the surrounding valley with beautifully terraced farms make Bhaktapur a unique destination to visitors.

Lunch break in Bhaktapur and drive to Nagarkot hilltop:

Nagarkot hilltop situated at 6885ft above sea level. This rural hilltop dotted with few resorts is an ideal place for viewing spectacular sunrise and sunset over the Himalaya. On a clear day, Mount Everest and many other famous peaks can be seen from here; also beautiful layout of the Kathmandu Valley below can be seen from here.

Day 4 Pashupatinath and Bouddha stupa
Wake up very early morning to see the magical sunrise over the Himalaya. Breakfast at the resort, check out, and drive to visit Pashupatinath, the Holiest place for the Hindus, and Bouddha stupa.
Both Pashupatinath temple and Bouddha stupa are Cultural World Heritage sites recognized by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO). After the above sites, transfer to your hotel in Kathmadnu and at leisure. Meals: B.

Pashupatinath Temple:
This temple is the holiest Hindu pilgrimage destination in Nepal. The shrine of Lord Shiva has existed for at least fifteen hundred years in the Kathmandu Valley. A temple dedicated to Shiva existed at this site in 879 AD. However, the present temple was built by King Bhupatindra Malla in 1697. A gold-plated roof, silver doors, and woodcarvings of the finest quality decorate the pagoda construction.

Rajrajeswari Temple built in 1407, Kailash with Lingas more than 1,400 years old, Goraknath temple, the courtyard of Biswarup, rows of Shiva shrines and Hindu pilgrims from all over South Asia offering worship to Shiva, the Hindu cremation grounds known as Arya Ghat along the Bagmati River are some of the sites that we see on this tour. You may encounter cremation along the bank of the river. Please refrain from taking pictures as you may offend the mourning relatives.

Bouddha Stupa:
Bouddha Stupa is located thirteen kilometers north of downtown Kathmandu or about four kilometers from Pashupati area, and is one of the largest stupas in Nepal. It is said that the Bouddha stupa was built by the Lichhavi King Man Dev in the fifth century. Ever since then Tibetan merchants and Buddhist pilgrims have rested and offered prayers here.

Monks, nuns and lay people alike walk around the stupa with prayer wheels in their hands, whispering "OM MANE PADME HUN" meaning "hail to the jewel in the lotus" while extreme devotees undergo rituals of prostration to the Lord Buddha. The Bouddha area is a unique place with full of visual attractions. Vividly colored thankas (tantric Buddhist paintings), hand-woven carpets, jewelry, masks, khukri knives, ready made garments of different ethnic groups, and many other modern and antique crafts are sold here. The visitors and residents around the stupa are as varied as the physical objects one will encounter. The Tamangs were the original inhabitants. Then, refugees entered Nepal from Tibet in the 1950s and many settled around Bouddhanath. Today, different ethnic groups make their homes here particularly followers of Buddhism. After the tour, transfer to hotel and at leisure.

Day 5 Departure from Kathmandu
Breakfast at hotel and transfer to airport for your flight.

No of Guests	Price ( With GSG )	Price ( With ESG)

* All Price is Per Person Price

Service Includes:

Four nights lodging in quality 3-4 star hotels in Kathmandu and boutique resort in Nagarkot on twin sharing with breakfast,
Tour activities as mentioned in the itinerary,
Transfer service on arrival, departure and during the tour,
English speaking local tour guide service throughout the tour,
Entrance fees to monuments visited.

ENTRY FEES
Place	Foreign Nationals	SAARC Nationals	Chinese	Nepalese	Contact Number	Remarks
Kathmandu Durbar Square including Tribhuvan Museum	NPR.. 1000	NPR.. 150	NPR. 1000	Free	01-4268969 01-4269452	Below 10 years free
National Museum, Chauni, Kathmandu	NPR. 150 (NPR. 100 for camera, NPR. 200 for video camera)	NPR. 50 (NPR. 75 for camera, NPR. 150 for video camera)	NPR. 150 (NPR. 100 for camera, NPR. 200 for video camera)	Students:NPR.10; Others: NRs. 25 (NPR. 50 for camera and NPR.100 for video camera)	01-4271504 01-4271478	Closed on Tuesdays and Public Holidays. Open for half day on Mondays from (10:30 am to 2 pm)
Patan Durbar Square including Patan Museum	NPR. 1,000	NPR. 250	NPR. 1,000	Students with letter from school : NPR. 10; Student Card Discoount: NPR.20; Others: NPR.30		Entry fees for Nepalese are aaapicable only for Patan Museum
Patan Golden Temple	NPR. 50	NPR. 20	NPR.. 50	Free	01-5534595 01-5540227	Closed on Buddha Jayanti
Bhaktapur Durbar Square	US$ 15 or NPR. 1,500	NPR. 500	NPR. 500	Free	01-6612249	Below 10 years free. For groups from 11-20, one tour leader can enter free.
National Art Museum, Bhaktapur	NPR. 150 (NPR. 100 for camera, NPR. 200 for video camera)	NPR.. 50 (NPR. 50 for camera,NPR. 150 for video camera)	NRs. 150 (NPR.. 100 for camera, NPR.. 200 for video camera)	Students: NPR.10; Others: NPR.25 (NPR. 50 for camera, NPR. 100 for video camera)	01-6610004	Closed on Tuesdays. The fee includes wood carving and brass and bronze museum in Dattrareya Square.
Swayambhunath Stupa	NPR. 200	NPR.. 50	NPR. 200	Free	01-4281889 01-4277236	Below 10 years free.
Bauddhanath Stupa	NPR. 400	NPR. 100	NPR. 400	Free	01-4489257	Below 10 years free.
Pashupatinath Temple	NPR. 1,000 per day per entry	NPR. 1,000. Free for Indian Nationals	NPR.. 1,000	Free	01-4462767 01-4470340	Tourists can view the temple from the back premises.
Changunarayan Temple	NPR. 300	NPR. 100	NPR. 300	Free	01-5090958
Ethnographic Museum, Bhrikutimandap, NTB	NPR. 200	NPR. 100	NPR. 100	Students: NPR. 15; Others:NPR. 30	01-4256909 Extension no. 172
Garden of Dreams, Katmandu	NPR. 200	NPR. 200	NPR. 200	NPR.. 100	01-4425340 01-4425341	Below 5 years free. NPR. 50 fro 5-11 years. 25% discount for a group of 10 pax.
Godawari Park	NPR. 200 (NPR. 150 for children below 10 years)	NPR. 57 (NPR. 23 for children below 10 years)	NPR. 100 (NPR. 50 for children below 10 years)	NPR. 34 (NPR. 12 for children below 10 years)	01-5174246	Student 50% discount.
Central Zoo	NPR. 250 (NPR.150 for children 4-12 years )	NPR. 250 (NPR. 150 for children 4-12 years )	NPR. 250 (NPR. 150 for children 4-12 years )	NPR. 50 (NPR. 25 for children 4-12 years)		Nepali Students: NPR. 30;

Service Excludes:

Visa fees, domestic and international airfares, international airport departure tax,
Meals such as lunch and dinner are not included,
Personal medical and travel insurance, personal expenses for alcohol and soft beverages including bottled water, telephone, laundry, tips,
Charges for delays caused by situations beyond our control such as bad weather, natural disasters, political unrest, accidents and emergency rescue fees.